DFWKIK, in conjunction with the SWKIF, is excited to announce the 2025 Nabeshima Cup Invitational Taikai, Seminar, and SWKIF Spring Shinsa up to 4 dan. The events will take place April 4th – April 6th.
Official Announcement
You can find the official announcement letter, as well as the tournament rules and regulations here:
2025 Nabeshima Cup Invitational Taikai Announcement Letter (PDF)
Considerations
Please keep the following in mind if you are planning to attend. There are some changes from prior years that may impact you.
- We have a hard limit for parking for the Friday seminar, we urge all seminar participants to carpool Friday evening to not cause issues with the venue. If the lot fills up, we will not be able to allow any more vehicles to park at the venue.
- This year we are introducing an adult teams division. Please read and become familiar with the updated regulations in the announcement letter.
- Competitors are strongly encouraged to supply their own mejirushi. DFWKIK will not be able to supply all competitors on all courts.
- All 4 Dan and up are expected to assist as Shinpan. Please read and become familiar with the updated regulations in the announcement letter.
- Shinsa application and payment is separate from taikai and seminar. Please review the shinsa application instructions if you are planning to take the promotional exam.
Registration
Please use the link below to register online.
Seminar and Taikai Registration Form
The deadline for registration is March 15th.
Shinsa Registration is a separate form below.
Volunteer Sign Up
If you are available to help our event staff during the weekend, please fill out the below sign up sheet!
Shinsa
This year we are hosting shinsa up to 4 dan. You can find the instructions for shinsa registration here:
SWKIF Spring 2025 Kendo Shinsa Application Material (PDF)
This includes registration details, fee structure, essay prompts, and the AUSKF affiliate examination request form (for applicants outside SWKIF).
The shinsa registration form is separate from the seminar / taikai registration above:
The application deadline is March 15th.
Shinsa payments are also made separately from seminar / taikai. Please follow the instructions in the shinsa materials document linked above if you are planning to test.
Locations
Taikai, Seminar, and Shinsa
The Episcopal School of Dallas
4100 Merrell Road, Dallas, Texas 75229
Google Maps
Saturday Dinner
Maggiano’s Little Italy
205 NorthPark Ctr, Dallas, TX 75225
Google Maps
Hotel Recommendations
While we do not have a special rate available for hotel booking, the below options are ideally located for this event.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria
4099 Valley View Ln, Dallas, TX 75244
Google Maps
Hampton Inn & Suites North Dallas Central Expy
10370 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75231
Google Maps
Hilton Garden Inn North Dallas Central Expy
10350 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75231
Google Maps
Schedule
Friday April 4: Seminar
6:00pm – 9:00pm | SWKIF Board of Directors meeting (DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria) |
6:00pm – 8:45pm | Seminar led by Doug Imanishi Sensei, Kyoshi 7 Dan 4-dan attendees please bring your shinpanki |
Saturday April 5: Taikai
The below times may change as required on the day of the event.
8:00am- 8:45am | Taikai registration and Shinai Check |
8:15am | Shinpan meeting |
9:00am | March-In, Opening Ceremony |
9:30am | Group Photo |
9:40am | Nihon Kendo Kata Enbu |
10:00am | Individual Divisions Start (Court A, B, C, D) |
12:30pm | Lunch |
1:30pm | Team Divisions Start (Court A, B, C, D) |
4:15pm | Awards Presentation & Closing Ceremony |
6:00pm | Empty Building |
Time Permitting | Godo Keiko |
7:30pm | Dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy |
Sunday April 6: Shinsa
8:00am | Building Opens |
8:30am | Shinsa registration |
9:00am | Shinsa Starts (up to 4 dan) |
2:00pm | Empty Building |
Time Permitting | Godo Keiko |
Payments
Our preferred method of payment is via the provided paypal links in the below sections.
You may also send a check for your total amount to our PO box, payable to DFWKIK:
DFWKIK
4145 Belt Line Rd
Ste 212-104
Addison, TX 75001
Please notify our Treasurer, Dana Ertle (treasurer@dfwkik.org) if you have sent a check in the mail.
Registration
There is a single taikai registration fee per participant.
Description | Amount | |
---|---|---|
Seminar Fee | $20.00 | |
Taikai registration fee – Adult divisions | $40.00 | |
Taikai registration fee – Youth divisions | $20.00 |
Lunch & Sayonara Dinner
Saturday lunch will be bento provided by Mitsuwa Marketplace with the option of meat, fish, or veggie.
We will not be able to provide extra lunches nor accommodate dinner guests without RSVP on the day of the taikai. Please fill out your registration accordingly, and make your payments before the weekend of the event.
Description | Amount | |
---|---|---|
Saturday lunch (Shinpan will receive complimentary lunch) |
$10.00 | |
Saturday dinner – Adult | $40.00 | |
Saturday dinner – Kids (Ages 5-11) |
$20.00 |
T-Shirts
This year we are offering event T-Shirts! These will be pre-order only, and will be available for pick up Saturday.
“Nabeshima Green” T-Shirt | $28.00 |

“Straight Outta Keiko” T-Shirt | $25.00 |

Donation
We will graciously accept any additional donations to aid the success of the event!
Additional Donation We greatly appreciate any extra support! |
Shinsa payments are handled separately by SWKIF.
Contact
For any questions, please reach out to us at:
Or reach out to our Page on Facebook Messenger.